Worth noting

• Jason Motte (right elbow strain) will not join the team on its upcoming three-city road trip. The Cardinals requested Motte's presence on the first road trip of the season because of the assistance he could offer off the field, but by remaining in St. Louis this time, Motte will be able to continue his rehab work with team physical therapist Adam Olsen.

• Though he has been ruled out for the season, right-hander Chris Carpenter has spent time visiting with teammates in the Cardinals' clubhouse each of the last two days. Carpenter, after announcing that he had to stop throwing in early February due to recurring symptoms from thoracic outlet syndrome, said that he would remain a presence around the ballpark throughout the season.

• Right-hander Michael Wacha earned his first Triple-A win on Saturday with a five-inning performance for Memphis. Wacha allowed three runs (two earned), while walking one and striking out three.

• The Cardinals will face starters James McDonald, Jonathan Sanchez and A.J. Burnett in their first of three season trips to Pittsburgh. Sanchez will be just the second left-handed pitcher to start against St. Louis this year.